ABS-CBNNews.com reports that through a statement "United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) senatorial candidate Juan Miguel ’Migz’ Zubiri apologized to Senator Koko Pimentel’s estranged wife, Jewel May Lobaton" for his recent revelation about her being "a battered wife." However, Zubiri "maintained it was Lobaton who discussed her family problems with him." Lobaton as since issued her own statement denying the allegation that she had been a battered wife.

The report noted that Zubiri claimed that he received "a call on July 12, 2012 from a mutual friend who requested a meeting with Lobaton to discuss some pressing concerns." Zubiri explained: "Initially I hesitated due to the fact that I was trying my best to reach out to Senator Pimentel and to make amends. Our mutual friend insisted that I hear what Jewel had to say that night. So I brought my wife Audrey along so that it would not look political but more of a social meeting."

According to the report, Zubiri went on to say that he and his wife both listened and Lobaton’s revelations "convinced him and his wife that she Lobaton to be assisted in getting custody of her children." Zubiri had pointed out that he and Lobaton are cousins.